Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Edward Ricketts

1897-1948

By Barry Swackhamer, April 23, 2012

1. Edward Ricketts Marker

Inscription. Marine biologist, philosopher, writer, ecologist, and friend to many. Immortalized as “Doc” of John Steimbeck’s Cannery Row, the real man had a profound influence on the thinking of writers, artists, and scientists through his non-teleological approach to the study of life. Steinbeck described him as a man whose “mind had no horizons, he has an interest in everything.”

At his laboratory on Cannery Row, he built up the most comprehensive file of marine tidal animals ever attempted on the Pacific Coast. His marine science writings which included Between Pacific Tides, Sea of Cortez, and The Outer Shores are still among the most respected works in the field.

His life was cut short when the car he was driving was struck by the evening train at this site on May 8, 1948. However, his influence on the world community and the people of Cannery Row will live forever.

Erected 1997 by Cannery Row Foundation.

Location. 36° 36.746′ N, 121° 53.911′ W. Marker is in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. Marker can be reached from Wave Street near Drake Avenue. Touch for map. The Edward Ricketts marker is located on the Monterey Peninsula Recreational

By Barry Swackhamer, April 23, 2012

2. Edward Ricketts Marker

Trail (aka Monterey Bay Coastal Trail). Marker is in this post office area: Monterey CA 93940, United States of America.

Also see . . . 1. E.F. Ricketts' Biography. While "Doc" of Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday is a character based on Steinbeck's close friend Ed Ricketts, there are distinct and pronounced differences between the fictional hero and the real man. (Submitted on April 27, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California.)

2. Ed Ricketts and the 'Dream' of Cannery Row - NPR. Fifty-five years ago, the best friend of novelist John Steinbeck was hit by a train after his Buick stalled on the tracks near Monterey, California's Cannery Row. At his death, Ed Ricketts was something of a celebrity. Steinbeck had cast Ricketts

By Barry Swackhamer, April 23, 2012

3. Bust of Edward Ricketts

as the fictional "Doc" in his best-selling novel. (Submitted on April 27, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on April 27, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 646 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 27, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. 7, 8. submitted on March 28, 2015, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.